From Inventor's Estate to Busy Bed and Breakfast

Feb. 4, 2014 12:09 p.m. ET

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James Tomaso purchased this property in Little Falls in Herkimer County in 2009 for $50,000 according to public records. The approximately 15-acre property with 15,400-square-foot late Victorian mansion and separate 3-bedroom carriage house was once part of a historic estate owned by industrialist David Hamlin Burrell. Known as 'Overlook,' the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
Mike Franklin…

The house is set against a limestone cliff face, which provided material for the home's walls and foundation. The mansion was built by prominent architect Archimedes Russell for Mr. Burrell in 1889. Mr. Burrell's inventions included a fore-runner to the modern oil burner which he patented in 1885 and was recognized for 100 years later by President Ronald Reagan, who declared 1985 the 'Oil Heat Centennial Year.' His inventions for the dairy industry helped Little Falls become one of the 'most important cheese centers in the United States,' according to the home's National Register report.
Heidi Lu…

The property, perched above the city of Little Falls, is shown at left from about a mile away in a photo by Andy Olenick, who featured the home in his 2000 book, 'Erie Canal Legacy' published on the 175th anniversary of the completion of the canal. Mr. Burrell's estate, once a 2,000-acre farm with large greenhouses, served as a 'type of laboratory' for his inventions and interests, according to its historic report. The main residence still houses a rare Pelton water wheel in the basement which used to generate power for parts of the home.
Andy Olenick…

Mr. Tomaso said the home was in poor condition with significant water damage when he purchased it. Since then, he has tried to renovate as much of the property as possible. The foyer features a staircase with carve oak panelling and and Tiffany-style stained glass windows-- it is pictured in this 2000 photo by Mr. Olenick, prior to the home falling into disrepair.
Andy Olenick…

Mr. Olenick recently visited the property to take some photos, and describes the foyer, pictured here in recent months, as almost exactly the same, barring different lamps and fireplace accessories. 'Fortunately [Mr. Tomaso] was able to restore much of the original aspects of the building,' said Mr. Olenick, who is based in Rochester. 'I think he's tried to be as sensitive [to the original home] as he could.'
Andy Olenick…

Mr. Tomaso, 39, is a field engineer for an auto manufacturer, and has operated the home as a bed and breakfast since February 2013. 'The house kind of cornered me into that,' he said, 'because that's what it's best suited for.' The Overlook Mansion is ranked the number one of four bed-and-breakfasts in Little Falls by TripAdvisor, with over a dozen weddings booked for 2014, Mr. Tomaso said. Louis Baum, president of the Little Falls Historical Society, said Mr. Tomaso has done an 'outstanding job' of renovating the mansion. 'He's beautifully restored the rooms,' Mr. Baum said.
Heidi Lu…

The dining room is shown. Mr. Tomaso grew up down the street from the home and said he used to build tree forts on the property. 'I had always loved the house,' he said. He moved away for college and work. Shortly after moving back to Little Falls eight years ago, he saw the house for sale and made an offer, but the deal fell through. He was able to purchase the home a few years later at auction. Being able to own or renovate the home 'was kind of a dream to me,' he said.
Foothills Photography/Tom Panko…

The home's library is shown, currently used as a reception area. While living in another house nearby, Mr. Tomaso began working on the carriage house, which took about a year. The renovation involved new plumbing, wiring, paint, heating, refinishing the kitchen and adding new light fixtures and doors. 'I tried to count how many doors we had to replace and hang from that house to this house,' he said. 'I've installed over 100 light fixtures.'
Andy Olenick…

Mr. Tomaso moved into the carriage house in 2010 and began work on the main residence, which has been ongoing for four years, he said. The biggest undertakings were replacing the porch - which had collapsed - and putting on a new roof. Interior floors were either refinished or replaced if they could not be salvaged.
Heidi Lu…

Mr. Tomaso said he has gone to many antique auctions to find period or close-to-period fixtures and hardware for the home. Despite at times being overwhelmed by dealing with the renovation on top of a full-time job, he said he was motivated by the feedback of local residents. 'It's one thing to do the work, but when people appreciate it and compliment you... saving an old house like that, it keeps you going,' he said.
Heidi Lu…

The main house is approximately 15, 400 square feet with 12 bedrooms, 8 fireplaces and 6 full bathrooms. The carriage house has three bedrooms, two full baths and a ¼ bathroom and is approximately 1,760 square feet. Mr. Tomaso has just renovated the basement, which houses the original water wheel and elevator and used to also house a bowling alley and pool. The basement has an 11-foot ceiling with a fireplace and is perfect for events, Mr. Tomaso said. He is selling because he would like to work on another home and said that the bed-and-breakfast has become 'more than a hobby,' and a much busier business than he anticipated.
Heidi Lu…

A recent view of the town of Little Falls from Overlook Mansion is shown. The main house and carriage house can be purchased together for $1.175 million or separately. Purchase of the house would include the associated bed-and-breakfast business, with reservation system and website, Mr. Tomaso said. The property was listed in mid-January with Sherry Comstock of Van Billings Real Estate.
Mike Franklin…

This 19th century estate in Little Falls was once home to a prominent inventor—after a substantial renovation, is now a popular bed and breakfast, with over a dozen weddings booked for 2014. -- Jackie Bischof